Lego Trains

This project used the Unity Low-Level API for UDP socket communication between 5 touch-screen controlled client machines and a single ‘server’ hub machine. The server ran a 3D game containing 5 lego tracks each with train controlled by one of the client machines. State machine implementations on both server and client together with a simple API allowed efficient bi-directional communication between server and client.

High quality 3D assets were supplied by LEGO and optimised for display in Unity. Control of the trains was achieved using the Tracks and Rails plugin to provide realistic physics properties for the rolling stock. Carriages were connected by a system of joints and springs to the engine. In April 2016 I travelled to Tokyo to complete the installation working alongside staff at the discovery centre. The new exhibit was launched with a fanfare and local TV coverage.